1972 BMW Turbo vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW Turbo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW Turbo would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW Turbo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW Turbo (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (89 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW Turbo should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 264 kg more than 1972 BMW Turbo.
Because 1972 BMW Turbo is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW Turbo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (210 Nm) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW Turbo. (177 Nm). This means 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW Turbo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW Turbo | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Turbo | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
